Hello everyone, I'm VaporChick - I picked this sn because I quit smoking and now use electronic cigarettes. Now if I can only quit the unhealthy eating habits too....

Well, I have started already......over a year ago I started eating a little healthier, I incorporated healthy recipes and tried new foods....it DID help, I did lose some weight, but recently....

I have gained ALL that back and more.....I still eat some of these healthy recipes, and I still have some of those healthy changes I made, but it wasn't enough, and I know I eat too big of serving sizes, have gone back to eating more sweets and other goodies on the side too, and I drink WAY too much soda....

I am now at the biggest I have ever been at - 313 lbs. I have started calorie counting but haven't been following through on a daily basis yet. I know I have to get stricter and really keep track of those calories. I also have been drinking diet soda, though I know it would be best to kick the soda habit completely. I got the Eat This Not That book, which is a little helpful, in giving you healthier alternatives and had a few nice tips in it, but still is not enough. I also got a Walk Away The Pounds DVD set, I am so out of shape that I barely made it through the easiest one, but will be doing that and the other routines on there more often soon, hopefully will get used to it. Other than WATP I have been getting very little exercise lately.

I really would like to lose the weight. I was thinking that a good goal would be to lose 100 lbs by the end of the year. I know I would really have to work hard.

I believe my diet needs to have variety to work. Eating the same things all the time bores me, and I might not be able to keep a diet if I don't have some variety in it.

I would love to hear a general breakdown of calories for your meals & snacks throughout the day. How many calories are put aside for snacks, your breakfast, dinner, lunch? I am trying to stay at 2000 calories or less right now. I know that I will cut down from there.

I plan to lose weight by calorie counting, exercise, and possibly, quitting the soda!!

This is a recipe for success but you have to quit the soda alright

Welcome! You have taken a huge step in deciding to change your habits and you have taken another massive step in realizing why it has not been going that great so far (trust me, it takes most people along time to realize those issues!).

I love calorie counting as I believe it is the best, most economical and sensible way to lose weight as it is free and is something that can be maintained for the rest of our lives. The way to organize your calories should be based on what time of eater you are. Some people have no appetites in the morning, others are hungry all evening, some need a big big lunch. I personally am an "even grazer".. I NEED calories for the evening has I love to munch as I relax and watch tv. I CAN NOT survive on the "do not eat after 6pm" rule. I tried. I failed. I moved on and found something that works for me. Some people love big meals and like to eat 3 meals a day. Some people (like myself) spread them out somewhat equally throughout the day. My meals are generally only 300 calories or less a piece, I just eat several times a day. Do what works for you as long as your calories equal the correct amount at the end of the day. If you love soda, don't give it up completely. Just make SURE to include it in your calorie limits. I love nachos. You'll see me post about them a lot lol. I could never give them up. I just include them as a meal in my calories. Any type of calorie deficiency = weight loss in 99% of people. As long as I am in the negatives for calories, than I can eat whatever I want. Of course its best to eat as healthy as possible for proper nutrition, but we are human and to deny ourselves everything we love would cause us to go on a major binge.

As for exercise, a little goes a long way. If you are having trouble completing something, just take baby steps. For example, try and complete 20 minutes one week. Then, try for 25-30 the following week. Keep adding small increments and eventually you'll be finding the DVD to be way to easy! As long as you do it as often as possible, your stamina will build.

Have you tried meal planning? Its great if you want to have a lot of variety in your meals. Just create a list for the whole week of what you are going to eat. If on Tuesday you are suppose to eat salmon for lunch but are not in the mood, just eat something from a different days meal. This way you know its somewhat healthy. If I don't plan, than I usually eat something horrible (pizza pops anyone?).

Anyways, good luck with everything. It's great here. Tons of support and amazing advice!

Vapor, welcome, glad to have you join us. I suggest you look for a Challenge or Support group to join; small check-in groups make it easier to connect, get involved, and be accountable. We have groups centering around specific diet plans, themes, or age groups, so find one that inspires you and just post to join! be sure to check out the Cal counting groups!